Stressfest Offers “Virtual Cruise” Stress Relief at The University of Texas at Austin, April 8

March 31, 2009

AUSTIN, Texas — Students, faculty and staff at The University of Texas at Austin will be able to take a "virtual cruise" for stress relief from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., April 8 at the university's Flawn Academic Center.

Those attending Stressfest will "cruise" on the flag-bedecked porch of the Flawn Center, east of the Texas Union. Participants will be invited to stretch out on deck chairs, sip tropical smoothies and receive free chair massages, said Dr. Laura Ebady, staff psychologist and outreach coordinator the university's Counseling and Mental Health Center. The center is sponsoring the event with support from the University Federal Credit Union, the Texas Parents Association and several university offices and departments.

Ebady said Stressfest also will feature therapy dogs, hand-massage lessons, fitness assessments, biofeedback, acupuncture and do-it-yourself stress balls. Ballroom dancing demonstrations and a live music performance will add to the festivities.

For more information, contact:Robert D. Meckel, Office of the President, 512 475 7847;
David Ochsner, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, 512-232-4687.